Quick and Easy Way on How to Get a Divorce in California

By Sandra McCarthy|February 8th, 2021|Divorce, Family Law|

The decision to divorce can be a painful one, so many people want to finish the process as quickly as possible. However, there is a specific timeline couples must follow before official termination of their marriage. Hiring a legal document preparation assistant can help you get a judgment within 45 days and avoid further waiting time for incomplete or incorrect forms.

3 Helpful Steps to Divorce and Divide Retirement

By Sandra McCarthy|July 6th, 2019|Family Law|

Most couples think their most valuable community property asset is their house. Surprisingly, however, the most valuable asset is often their retirement plan. Just as with other community assets, a divorcing couple must settle retirement division. In general, the law considers retirement benefits accrued during the marriage until the time of separation as community property. This article will explain the steps to divide retirement in divorce.

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Legal Aid for Divorce: How to Get Free or Inexpensive Help

By Sandra McCarthy|December 9th, 2020|Divorce|

Do not stay in an unhealthy marriage just because you are worried that you cannot afford the costs of divorce. There is plenty of legal aid for divorce available for people who do not need lawyers. All you need is a licensed California legal document assistant.

How To Get a Default Divorce Judgment in California

By Sandra McCarthy|February 4th, 2021|Divorce|

There are certain circumstances required to obtain a default divorce judgment in California. Plus, petitioners must file specific paperwork that has been clearly and accurately filled out. Therefore, anyone looking for a default divorce judgment should consider hiring a legal document assistant to ensure approval by the court.

The Pre-Divorce Checklist: How to Prepare for Divorce in California

By Sandra McCarthy|January 21st, 2021|Divorce|

You never thought the dire divorce statistics in the US would ever include you, right? Even if it seems like a nightmare, don’t wait too long to get started on your divorce planning. Your soon-to-be-ex is likely already laying a plan to get the most they can from a settlement, and you don’t want [...]

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Is it Helpful and a Good Idea to Hire a Divorce Paralegal?

By Sandra McCarthy|October 7th, 2020|Divorce|

What is a divorce paralegal, and how can one actually help with your legal proceedings? The answer might surprise you. Learn the limitations of paralegals and why a legal document assistant may be the better option to assist with your divorce paperwork.

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What You Need to Know About Divorce Alimony

By Sandra McCarthy|November 22nd, 2020|Divorce|

In California, spousal or partner support can be temporary or permanent. “Permanent alimony” can go on indefinitely. On the other hand, "temporary alimony" is awarded as a transitional stop-gap until the spouse receiving the alimony can get on their feet. Couples that are divorcing amicably can also agree to the amount and duration of the alimony in their marital settlement agreement. Alimony obligations usually have a pre-set end date. Sometimes, however, the obligation to pay divorce alimony is open-ended meaning the court retains the ability to modify or extend the support indefinitely.

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How to Have an Amicable Divorce

By Sandra McCarthy|November 22nd, 2020|Divorce|

Keeping things professional instead of adversarial is what makes an amicable divorce amicable; hiring a certified legal document assistant can help you avoid blaming each other for excessive spending or clerical errors. Contact A People’s Choice to prepare the documents in your amicable divorce.

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How Domestic Partnership Affects the California Divorce Timeline

By Sandra McCarthy|October 14th, 2020|Divorce, Family Law|

You may be familiar with the California divorce timeline for married couples, but what about domestic partners? Does domestic partnership status affect how long it will take to finalize a divorce? How are the laws different for domestic partners and married couples terminating their partnerships? Read on to find out.

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How to Mediate a Divorce in California: Guide and Checklist

By Sandra McCarthy|April 28th, 2020|Divorce, Family Law|

Divorce mediation is a great alternative for couples looking to save money and resolve their conflicts in an amicable way. Looking for more information on divorce mediation in California? Read on for a complete guide and checklist, and contact A People's Choice for more information.

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Divorce Advice for Men Fighting for Custody

By Sandra McCarthy|October 11th, 2020|Divorce, Family Law|

Divorce is not easy for men OR women; however, battling for child custody can be even more difficult for fathers. For example, many people automatically assume a mother will be granted sole physical custody of their child after a divorce. As a result, it's important for men to learn how to increase their chances of acquiring custody, granted that it is in the child's best interest.

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Creative Ways to Divide Property in Divorce

By Sandra McCarthy|January 1st, 2019|Family Law|

When a couple files for divorce, one thing that is inevitable is dividing their property. In California, the rule is that all community property assets (any income and assets acquired during the marriage) must be split 50/50. A couple could sell all of the marital assets and split the proceeds if they would like, but there are more creative ways to divide property in divorce. Sometimes a couple just needs to think outside the box.

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Ex Parte Motions in Divorce and When to File Them

By Sandra McCarthy|December 29th, 2018|Family Law|

When divorcing spouses get upset, it can be tempting to file an ex parte motion. An ex parte motion literally means a motion where only one party of the case is present. Because the motions are decided quickly, without giving the other party time to prepare an opposition or explain their side, ex parte motions in divorce are only to be used in an emergency situation.

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Understanding The Six Month Waiting Period for Divorce in California

By Sandra McCarthy|April 4th, 2021|Family Law, Divorce|

What is California's six month waiting period for divorce, and what does it mean for you? Oftentimes, this period is also referred to as the "cooling off" time for couples to determine if they'd like to reconcile. Additionally, it establishes the first day individuals may legally remarry. Read on to learn more about the six month waiting period in California divorce and how A People's Choice can help you.

How to Comply With Financial Disclosure Requirements in California Divorce

By Sandra McCarthy|April 24th, 2020|Family Law|

California family law courts require mandatory financial disclosures between parties in all divorce cases. These disclosures are intended to make settlement negotiations easier by providing transparency regarding the marital estate’s assets and debts. Read on to learn more about how to prepare the mandatory financial disclosures and which disclosures can be waived in a California divorce.

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Divorce and Co-Parenting: The Benefits of Creating a Co-Parenting Plan

By Sandra McCarthy|August 30th, 2020|Family Law|

Divorces are never easy for the separating parties, but they can be especially difficult for any children involved. Sometimes, these children feel caught in the middle of a toxic relationship between their two divorced parents. Therefore, it's important to consider your child's overall wellbeing when determining your parenting plans. More specifically, establishing a co-parenting plan with your ex and relying on respectful communication can help your child feel loved and secure.

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California Divorce

By vitalinbound|March 11th, 2021|

Our California Divorce Services Make Sure Beneficiaries Receive Their Inheritance When it’s time to legally move on, we’re here to help. Start Divorce Forms Talk to an Expert Trustpilot DIY Divorce Most Affordable Choice Professionally prepared documents you can file yourself. • Documents Only [...]

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How to File for Divorce in Ventura County, CA

By Sandra McCarthy|September 12th, 2022|California Courts, Divorce, Family Law|

We have created this article to give you the best, easiest, and most reliable way you can file for divorce in Ventura county, California.

How to Get an Affordable Divorce in California

By Sandra McCarthy|November 22nd, 2020|Divorce|

The best option for an affordable divorce is to hire someone with up-to-date expert knowledge on court documents and legal paperwork. That person is a legal document assistant, who holds a certificate verifying their extensive professional knowledge of California legal documents. Legal document assistants do not charge exorbitant hourly rates or bill you for every minute that any employee in their office devotes to your case.

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Dividing Retirement Accounts in Divorce – California

By Sandra McCarthy|April 24th, 2020|Family Law|

Believe it or not, retirement benefits are the most valued assets during a divorce. In fact, sometimes a retirement benefit is worth more than a home! As a result, calculating retirement benefits is a very important part of dividing community property. Read on to learn how retirement assets are usually calculated and how A People's Choice can help.

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Will Documents

Description of Will Documents (Notary fees additional)	Price
Will (individual)	$200
Codicil to Will	$125
Will package (individual) includes Will, Healthcare Directive and Financial Power of Attorney	$250
Will package (couple) includes 2 Wills, 2 Healthcare Directives and 2 Financial Powers of Attorney	$399
Other Services	Call for Quote

Trust Documents

Description of Trust Documents (Notary fees additional)	Price
Revocable Trust or Restatement of Revocable Trust (Individual) Trust or Trust Restatement only (you must have an existing revocable trust)	$300
Revocable Trust or Restatement of Revocable Trust (Couple) Trust or Trust Restatement only (you must have an existing trust)	$400
Revocable Trust or Restatement of Revocable Trust Package (Individual) Includes Trust, Pour-over Will, Certificate of Trust, Healthcare Directive, Financial Power of Attorney and estate folder	$499
Revocable Trust or Restatement of Revocable Trust Package (Couple) Includes joint trust, 2 Pour-over Wills, Certificate of Trust, 2 Healthcare Directives, 2 Financial Powers of Attorney and estate folder	$650
Special Needs Trust Designed for beneficiaries with physical or mental disabilities.	$700
Irrevocable Medi-Cal and/or VA Planning Trust	$700
Trust Transfer Deed and Preliminary Change of Ownership (California property)	$200 ($50 discount w/trust pkg)
Trust Transfer Deed (Out-of-State property)	$275 ($50 discount w/trust pkg)
Trust Transfer Deed (Timeshare)	$275 ($50 discount w/trust pkg)

Individual Estate Documents

Description of Individual Documents (Notary fees additional)	Price
Will	$200
Healthcare Directive	$125
Financial Power of Attorney	$125
Codicil to Will	$125
Trust Amendment	$200 and up
Trust Transfer Deed and Preliminary Change of Ownership (California property)	$200
Trust Transfer Deed (Out-of-State property)	$275
Trust Transfer Deed (Timeshare)	$275
Other Services	Call for Quote

Conservatorships Services We Offer	Price
Standard Conservatorship of Person AND/OR Estate (1 Petitioner) with or without Dementia Orders (Documents Only)	$1500
Limited Conservatorship for Developmentally Disabled (Documents Only)	$1200
Add-on Fees for Emergency Ex Parte Conservatorship (limited or standard)	+$450
Additional co-petitioner fee to any Conservatorship Petition	+$200
Add-on Fees for application for notice waivers and order	+$300
Add-on Fees for case management through Petition phase. Services include scheduling of any associated hearings, facilitating filing of documents with the court and other management services typically required to complete your Petition request	+$750
Standard preparation time is 10-14 business days. Rush preparation of all documentation is available for additional fee	$350+

Estate Administration Services	Price
Trust Administration (1 real property) each additional property +$200	$499
Probate Transfer by Affidavit (non-court, for estates with personal property only. This process cannot be used for estates with real property. Property must be valued under $166,250/$184,500)	$225
Simplified Probate Proceeding to Transfer Real Property Not Exceeding $55,425/61,000 (up to 2 Petitioners; 1 real property)	$649*
Simplified Probate Proceeding to Transfer Real Property Not Exceeding $166,425 (up to 2 Petitioners; 1 real property)	$799*
Spousal Property Petition (1 real property)	$749*
Heggstad Petition (1 Petitioner, 1 real property)	$1500**
No frills Probate Petition Documents Only for California Probate with Order of Probate and Letters of Administration or Letters Testamentary (document prep only with instructions. No court filing or additional support services.)	$750**
Phase 1 California Probate Petition (Full Service with court filing assistance, arranging publication, notices and case management) up to Order of Probate and Letters of Administration or Letters Testamentary	$1500**
Most Popular Full service, complete California Probate, facilitation of court filings, arranging publication, administrative notices, and ongoing case management services	$3900**
Probate Phase 2 or Phase 3 Full Service	$1500.00+/phase
Report of Sale and Petition for Order Confirming Sale Real Property (for matters with limited authority)	$1500.00 +costs
Notice of Proposed Action (up to 5 notices)	$250
Supplements to Petitions	$250 min. and up
Other Probate Services	Call for quote

*In these alternative small estate probate proceedings, if estate has more than 1 real property or 2 Co-Petitioners, additional fees will based on the following: +$75/each Petitioner over 2; +$150/each additional real property over 1. **In full probate proceedings, the following additional fees will apply, if applicable: +$250/each additional real property over 1; +$250/co-Petitioner; +$100/each beneficiary over 5. Fee covers all standard documents for routine proceeding but does not cover specialty services that may be required in some proceedings. Fees are based on all heirs waiving bond, waiver of accounting by all beneficiaries, and all creditors paid in full prior to filing Petition for Final distribution. Phase 3 Petition for Final Distribution may have add-on fees based on extraordinary actions or requests by the administrator prior to distribution. Annual surcharge fee of $500 will be assessed for each year or partial year the case remains open after 12 months.

Business Services We Offer	Price
General Corporation Includes standard minutes, bylaws, resolutions, stock certificates and corporate folder. Secretary of State fee: $100.00	$275
S-Corporation (Includes S-Corp election) Includes standard minutes, bylaws, resolutions, stock certificates and corporate folder. Secretary of State fee: $100.00	$310
LLC Includes Operating Agreement and corporate folder. Secretary of State fee: $70.00	$399
Professional Corp Includes Bylaws. Secretary of State fee: $100.00	$499
Non Profit Corporation Includes standard minutes, bylaws and corporate folder. Secretary of State Fee: $30.00	$499
501(C)(3) Non Profit Federal Tax Application	$599
Dissolve Corporation	$200
Walk Through Service with Secretary of State (turn around time 7-10 days)	$165
Registered Agent for Service (Annual) Click here to sign up.	$175
IRS S-Corp Election only	$50
Obtain Tax ID Number	$50
Statement of Information	$50
Fictitious Business Name Includes facilitating processing and publication (filing fee and publication fees vary from county to county).	$175
Basic Partnership Agreement	$300
Business Sales Agreement	$300
Copyright Standard Application	$150
Other Business Services	Call for Quote

Agreements	Price
Marital Settlement Agreement only	$275+
Stipulation and Order	$350+
Stipulation/Order with Paternity petition	$624
Pre or postnuptial Agreement (basic)	$299
Nuptial Agreement with complex, custom clauses	$999

Paternity Matters	Price
Paternity Petition only	$300
Stipulation and Order only	$350
Paternity Petition with Stipulated Judgment	$575
Paternity Petition with Request for Order/Motion for custody, visitation, support	$875

Marriage and Domestic Partnerships Proceedings	Price
Short term Marriage/Domestic Partnership (no personal property, children or real property)	$499
Marriage/Domestic Partnership with personal property (NO children, includes written Agreement)	$624
Marriage/Domestic Partnership with children (Includes written Agreement)	$624
Marriage/Domestic Partnership with 1 real property (Includes written Agreement	$775
Summary Dissolution (Please check qualifications for Summary Dissolution)	$499
Termination of Domestic Partnership through Secretary of State (Please check qualifications for Secretary of State procedure)	$499
Petition Only OR Response to Dissolution	$200-$300
Application to Serve by Publication	$275

NEW "DOCUMENTS ONLY" SERVICE for Marriage and Domestic Partnerships Proceedings. Budget option for documents only. Services do not include any case management or filing services.	Price
Preparation of standard dissolution or legal separation documents for short-term marriage or domestic partnership (no personal property, children or real property, with filing instructions). Includes all standard documents from Summons to Judgment.	$250
Preparation of standard dissolution or legal separation documents for marriage or domestic partnership (with filing instructions.) Includes all standard documents from Summons and Petition through Judgment based on parties signing a drafted Marital Settlement Agreement (does not address any separate or community real property.)	$400
Preparation of standard dissolution or legal separation documents for marriage or domestic partnership (with filing instructions.) Includes all standard documents from Summons and Petition through Judgment based on parties signing a drafted Marital Settlement Agreement which addresses separate or community real property division.)	$550

Motion/Contested Matters (does not include preparation of Orders After Hrg)	Price
Custody or Visitation Motion (RFO)	$475
Custody, Visitation and/or Support Motion (RFO)	$575
Emergency Custody or Visitation Motion (RFO) Includes request for temporary orders.	$900 min. (incudes RUSH processing)
Emergency Custody, Visitation, Support Motion Includes request for temporary orders.	$975 min. (includes RUSH processing)
Custody, Visitation and Support Motion with Paternity Petition	$875
Ex Parte to Terminate Child Support at 18	$250
Motion for Change of Venue	$575
Motion for Gillmore Election	$775
Other specialty motions	$575+ requires quote
Motion for Bifurcation and Final Judgment documentation	$825
Restraining Order- civil or domestic (no children)	$400 min.
Restraining Order (with children)	$575 min.

Guardianship Services	Price
Guardianship Affidavit or Power of Attorney (non-court)	$175
Guardianship of Person AND/OR Estate (1 Petitioner)	$1200
Add-on Fees for Co-Petitioners (per additional petitioner)	+$200
Add-on Fees for additional Minor(s) per minor	+$400
Add-on fees for Temporary ExParte Guardianship Request	+$300
Terminate Guardianship of Person and/or Estate	$399
Other Guardianship Services	Call for Quote

Expungement Services	Price
California Expungements	$399; +$200 ea. addtl. (same case #)
Felony to Misdemeanor reduction	$399
Criminal Prop 47 Resentencing or Reduction	$399; +$200 ea. addtl. (same case #)
Motion to Terminate Probation Early	$575
Petition to Seal Record	$499
Petition for Certificate of Rehabilitation	$399; +$50 each additional felony

Name Change Services	Price
Adult Name Change (individual)	$399
Combo Adult Name Change with 1 child – If more than one child, add $100.00 for each additional	$450
Name change for Minor Child – If more than one child, add $100.00 for each additional	$399
Name change after Divorce (Certified copy of Order extra)	$100

Title Transfers	Price
Grant Deed, Quitclaim Deed, Affidavit Death of Joint Tenant, Trust Transfer Deed, Transfer on Death Deed or other California deed Includes preparation of Preliminary Change of Ownership Report	$200
Warranty or Out-of-State Deeds (Non-California Deeds)	$275
Timeshare Deeds	$275

Other Matters	Price
Claim for Exclusion of Reassessment (parent/child or grandparent/grandchild)	$125 (discounted to $100 if prepared with deed)
Promissory Note secured by Deed of Trust	$325
Request for Special Notice re Deed of Trust	$125
Order copy of last transfer document/deed	$30

Civil Complaints and Answers	Price
Small Claims Package Includes preparation of claim, submission of documents to court, scheduling of hearing and arranging service of process	$250 plus $25 each defendant over 1
Civil Complaint Limited with 1 cause of action Each additional cause of action	$250 +$75
Response to unverified Civil Complaint with affirmative defenses	$250
Response to verified Civil Complaint with affirmative defenses	$350 (1 cause of action)

Other Civil and Misc. Matters	Price
Propounding Discovery Interrogatories, Request for Admissions, Production of Documents	$500 up
Responding to Discovery Interrogatories, Request for Admissions, Production of Documents	$500 up
Motion to Set Aside Default Judgment	$575
Civil Restraining Order	$499; $25 each addtl. protected person
Renew Judgment	$350
California Sister State Judgment	$300
Other Collection Proceedings	Call for quote
Expungement	$399
Other Services	Call for quote

Copyright Services	Price
Federal Copyright Application	$150
Government Filing Fee	$45-$65

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